What a wonderful way to end an unforgettable summer!
Our WCSS Film Festival at Community Stepping Stones brought together students, families, staff, volunteers, and community supporters to celebrate everything our young storytellers accomplished during eight incredible weeks of learning, creativity, and collaboration.
Throughout the summer, students transformed into reporters, interviewers, camera operators, and storytellers as they created their own kid-powered news station, WCSS—Welcome to Community Stepping Stones. They learned how to structure stories, conduct interviews, work together as a production team, and use technology to share the people, places, and experiences that matter most to them.
The Film Festival gave everyone the opportunity to watch the students’ completed news stories on the big screen while hearing directly from the young reporters about what they learned during the program. Their reflections were filled with pride, excitement, and confidence as they described new friendships, creative discoveries, and the joy of working together to bring their ideas to life.
The celebration also included cupcakes, awards, and special prizes that recognized each student’s hard work and growth throughout the summer. Seeing families cheer for their children and celebrate their accomplishments made the event even more meaningful. Moments like these remind us how powerful it can be when a community comes together to encourage young people and celebrate their voices.
I am deeply grateful to the outstanding students, families, and staff at Community Stepping Stones for welcoming me into this incredible summer journey. Thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to creating opportunities where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
A very special thank you also goes to our summer programming sponsor, Rough & Ready Media, whose generosity helped provide wonderful gifts, prizes, and treats for our students while supporting this unique digital storytelling experience.
As one chapter ends and a new school year begins, I hope these young storytellers continue using their creativity, curiosity, and confidence to make a positive difference in their communities. Thank you to everyone who supported WCSS this summer. Your encouragement helped make this experience one these students—and I—will never forget.